Gather your gang for an afternoon of slurp-worthy soup and fun games.

When the temperatures outside start rapidly dropping, it's time to fire up the stove and make batch after batch of soup. Nothing else gives you that deliciously warm feeling inside...except, maybe, an afternoon with your buddies. So why not combine the two for a cozy and casual afternoon? Here are four tips for hosting a tasty (and easy) soup party.

You don't want people tracking snow through your house, but you don't want them to have freezing toes, either. Nix the awkward "shoes off, please!" conversation by stashing extra pairs of slippers or thick socks by the front door. Invite guests to help themselves, so they can keep their toes toasty without stomping around in slush-covered boots.

But remember: Asking every guest to bring soup could result in a "too many cooks" scenario. Instead, suggest that some contribute a favorite bread to help soak up the main dish. Crumbled buttermilk cornbread would taste delicious in pumpkin soup; cranberry bread makes for a perfect post-soup "dessert."

3. Choose Recipes That Double Well

If you're cooking for a crowd, select recipes that taste great in bulk. Chili is a great choice, since you can toss in a seemingly endless assortment of veggies, beans, and grains. (I like mine with zucchini, squash, black beans, and carrots, with a dollop of sour cream and crushed blue corn chips, served atop couscous.) The same everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach also goes for lentil soup. Both are simple, no-fail crowd pleasers.

4. Let the Games Begin

Get everyone interacting by busting out a board game. Cranium and Apples to Apples are fun options for large groups, but old-school options such as checkers or Scrabble are also great choices if you want to have a few games going at once. The goal: to get guests chatting and laughing while they chow down.